A Hong Kong man has been arrested for smuggling electronic cigarettes containing tetrahydrocannabinol* (THC) from Hong Kong into Macau to sell, Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesman Cheong Un Hong said during a special press conference on Sunday.
Cheong identified the suspect as a 35-year-old Hong Kong resident surnamed Fung, who holds a Macau non-resident worker permit (blue card) and works as an electrician here.
According to Cheong, following an investigation based on intelligence that a male Hong Kong resident was engaging in drug trafficking activities in Macau, PJ officers launched an operation in the city centre at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Officers intercepted Fung and seized six e-cigarette devices from him and subsequently searched his home in the city centre, recovering an additional four used e-cigarette devices. Rapid testing conducted by Judiciary Police confirmed that the e-cigarette oil contained THC. Testing on the four used devices seized from his flat remained pending, Cheong added.
Fung also tested positive for drugs in a urine test, Cheong said.
A total of six e-cigarette devices containing THC oil, weighing 155.2 grams with an estimated street value of about 8,400 patacas, were seized during the operation.
A follow-up investigation revealed that Fung has a history of drug abuse and recently began smuggling drug-infused e-cigarette devices from Hong Kong into Macau to sell at 1,400 patacas each. He had completed transactions with at least three buyers prior to his arrest, Cheong noted.
Cheong said Fung distributed the drug-infused e-cigarettes through referrals within networks of drug users, adding that police are still investigating the actual number of devices sold and his network of buyers.
Fung was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) on Sunday, facing charges of drug trafficking, drug consumption, and improper possession of equipment or devices.
The Judiciary Police urged the public, particularly young people, not to accept or purchase e-cigarettes or related products from others out of curiosity, peer pressure, or a desire to follow trends. Residents were also warned against buying e-cigarettes on behalf of others or carrying e-cigarettes of unknown origin across the border for anyone else, as they could unwittingly become involved in drug-related offences, face serious criminal penalties or health risks, or even be exploited by criminal groups.
The police said they would continue to strengthen intelligence exchanges and law-enforcement cooperation with their counterparts in neighbouring regions to combat cross-border drug trafficking and safeguard public security and residents’ safety.
*THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. In Macau, THC is treated strictly as an illegal drug. – DeepSeek
Judiciary Police (PJ) officers escort the hooded suspect to a PJ vehicle outside the PJ headquarters in Zape on Sunday. – Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
